Parking and storage device and method

ABSTRACT

A storage container and method of storage that safely protects objects and allows convenient access. The invention is particularly useful for the parking of more than one automobile using the same space necessary to park just one automobile. The invention is an enclosure to be used as a parking capsule for automobiles or for the storage of other desired items. The invention resembles a capsule that is used to store items in a protected environment. The capsulized system contains known retractable mechanisms that move the storage base from a stored position inside the capsule to an extended position allowing convenient access to the storage area. The capsule&#39;s uniquely designed cover provides for an area to be treated with material so as to blend into the surrounding surface. For example, the cover allows for grass if the capsule were to be installed in a home yard, or the cover area is filled with cement, dirt, concrete or black top, when the capsule is placed in a street or road.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/204,782 filed on May 17,2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a new and novel pre-fabricated parking and storage capsule, more specifically to a structure constructed and assembled in a timely and cost effective fashion that results in a greater quantity of parking spaces in large cities and small towns alike, protection for boats and aircraft in dangerous storm conditions, and a safe efficient storage option for businesses and individuals in the workplace and at their homes.

[0003] Space restrictions affect virtually every person on earth. The problem of the ever increasing number of automobiles and trucks is exasperated by the generally fixed and stagnant quantity of available and convenient parking options. Traditional parking lots and garages, more often than not, provide an option as to where to park one's vehicle. But convenience is often abandoned during the search for an available parking spot. when the negative results of the high volume of traffic, and its' associated problems, are further increased as the demand on goods and services grows with a growing population. The daily near-shut-down of the movement of people and product is not confined to large cities. Indeed, traffic stagnation caused by the inability to park a vehicle directly and indirectly impacts every individual and business on the planet. The cost of business delayed or not conducted is enormous. Everyone pays, either monetarily or in the loss of valuable time. The lack of space has challenged all living creatures since the beginning of time. The abundance of goods, available as a result of continuing technological advances, adds pressure to the limits of space in both commercial and personal lives.

[0004] Witness the growth of storage facilities throughout the world to meet the need for space no longer satisfied by attic, basement or closet storage. Also, the need to park vehicles presents a unique problem that concerns business and personal activity in a dramatic way. Most smaller towns and cities lack the needed vehicular parking to permit business support personnel, delivery men and women and customers to be productive. Surely, a vehicle parking dilemma that confronts businesses everyday involves business employees occupying parking spots that should be made available to customers.

[0005] Every household needs more parking spaces as the number of automobile drivers increase in growing families and a fast paced society.

[0006] The current invention allows for more available space where the space is most needed—in close proximity to the user of the stored item.

[0007] The invention relates to a new and novel pre-fabricated multi-level parking and storage capsule, more specifically to a structure constructed and assembled in a timely and cost effective fashion that results in a greater quantity of parking spaces and better traffic flow in large cities and small towns alike, protection for boats and aircraft in dangerous storm conditions, or for winter storage, and a safe efficient storage option for businesses and individuals in the workplace and at their homes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention resembles a capsule that is used to store items in a protective environment. The capsized system contains known retractable mechanisms that move the storage base from a stored position inside the capsule to an extended position allowing convenient access to the storage area.

[0009] The capsules uniquely designed cover provides for an area to be treated with material so as to blend into the surrounding surface. The cover would be treated with grass if the capsule were to be installed in a home's yard, or with sand and/or dirt to match other so provided areas.

[0010] The invention here presents short-term and long-term solutions. The parking and storage device supplements storage areas for personal possessions and provides additional “parking spots” on roads and streets. The invention effectively doubles the number of parking spots by providing an easily accessible enclosed lower area whose cover lies flush with the road surface when retracted. When activated, the cover separates from the flush position allowing access to the storage area and items.

[0011] The known lift supports are so aligned so that vehicles can pull forward into the structure and continue forward to exit, or can be so aligned to allow safe “parallel parking.”

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth by description within this application and may best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013]FIG. 1a is an angled view of the parking and storage device on a street

[0014]FIG. 1b is an angled view of the parking and storage device on a street

[0015]FIG. 2 is a close-up in the nearly closed position

[0016]FIG. 3a is the device in the closed position

[0017]FIG. 3b is the device in the closed position

[0018]FIG. 4 shows how the cover allows placement of material to match surroundings

[0019]FIG. 5. is the device slightly open showing the internal lifting mechanism

[0020]FIG. 6a is the device fully extended

[0021]FIG. 6b is the device fully extended

[0022]FIG. 7 shows detached lift supports connected to the cover

[0023]FIG. 8 is a close-up of the cover and adjoining patent enclosure embodiment

[0024]FIG. 9a shows the invention utilized for personal use

[0025]FIG. 9b shows the invention utilized for personal use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Parking and Storage Devices 1 in FIG. 1b. Controlling devices 2 in FIG. 2 are placed within the device. Sleeves 3 encase and shield moving parts. Sensors and vents 4 are placed throughout as needed. When closed the cover aligns with surroundings 5, FIG. 3b. and FIG. 4. The enclosure 6 in FIG. 5 is attached to the lifting supports 7 and as shown in FIG. 6b. FIG. 7 shows detached lift supports connected to the cover. FIG. 8 shows the lifted surface aligned with side safety barriers 8 to prevent damage. FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b show the invention utilized for personal home use. 

What is claimed:
 1. A parking and storage device and method of same: wherein an enclosure is aligned with a retractable cover which when said cover is closed provides a safe and secure environment for vehicles and stored items, and which said cover when in the open position allows for access, placement and removal of items heretofore placed inside the embodiment, wherein the enclosed area allows for preferred levels of air, moisture and temperature controls to be aligned within the device to be manually or automatically programmed or set, wherein one or more surfaces of the enclosure is retractable to allow access to the enclosed area, wherein one or more of the retractable surfaces allows for the placement of material to be placed and/or adhered to so as to conform with material adjacent, surrounding or in close proximity to said cover, wherein one or more of said cover surfaces provide a base for objects external of the enclosed area and a covering for the interior of the embodiment, wherein one or more said surfaces to be attached to a retractable lift mechanism so as to provide the lifting of external items and to provide access to enclosed items when in an open position, wherein the lifted surface may be aligned with side safety barriers to prevent damage or unwanted movement to lifted items, wherein the embodiment contains wired to external power sources or stored battery energy to allow known lift mechanisms to operate, wherein the embodiment contains a locked and/or otherwise secured easily accessible geared mechanism for manual operation of the system in the event of energy unavailability, wherein wired or wireless devices may be aligned to provide security coded, free or paid access and/or activation to the lift and/or stored area, wherein the structure contains devices to detect movement of living creatures, or other conditions, so as to alarm appropriate parties and/or to cause the opening of the device, wherein the structure contains safety mechanisms that reverse and/or stop movement upon the disproportionate placement or movement of weight and/or when an obstruction is noted by such safety mechanism, wherein vent and/or air and/or fluid pumps are aligned to provide a safe environment within the structure, wherein surface level edges are adjustable so as to be aligned to all adjacent surrounding edges when in the closed position, wherein said surface level edges allow for variances in angle around the edges of the enclosure so to be aligned evenly on all sides upon either installation and/or maintenance and/or as a result of settling, wherein the embodiment provides lighting, emergency lighting and alarm mechanisms throughout the interior, wherein manual and automatic activation is provided for from the interior of the device.
 2. A parking and storage device and method of same: wherein known lift devices are embodied in a suitable container, wherein a cover is provided so as to match and be aligned with surrounding surfaces when closed, said cover being attached to the lifting mechanism which lifts items on top of the exterior side of the cover, wherein the lifting device rises stored items to a preferred position for placement and removal of stored items, wherein said lifting device supports are so aligned so as to provide desired access from any desired angle or position.
 3. A parking and storage system and device: wherein an enclosed storage unit moves within a suitable sized enclosure for access and fully retracts so that a protected inside area is formed and the cover of the unit rests flush adjacent to the area surrounding the unit, wherein the cover contains a recessed area to be filled with substances similar to the surrounding area whereby a general similar appearance is formed wherein the cover edge base, when in the retraced position, forms a protective seal on the under side against the trailing edges of the units open sides, wherein a method of storage exists, wherein an enclosed storage environment retracts known lifting devices fitted with a base and cover attached to the lifting supports and moving in conjunction with each other as needed and required, wherein one or more cover openings contain treated areas so as to match the surrounding environment, wherein in a retractable storage area is provided, wherein one or more retractable guides and/or structural supports move a cover which protects the enclosed area when in the retracted position and provides a surface area that adjusts to a desired position relative to surrounding area surfaces as required, wherein access to stored items is provided. 